McNair Eligibility and Benefits

• Be a low-income individual (current TRIO low-income levels),
• Be a first-generation college student (see definition, 34B C.F.R. §647.7, 2026),
• Have a minimum standing of rising sophomore with a GPA of 2.75 or greater,
• Have the potential and interest in pursuing a graduate program,
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Please email mcnair.scholars@uwec.edu if you have questions about your eligibility.

Why become a McNair Scholar? Immediate benefits include:

• Receive intense mentoring in a nurturing and supportive environment
• Undertake collaborative research with UW-Eau Claire faculty members
• Participate in tailored seminars & workshops, the Summer Research Institute, and professional development and networking opportunities
• Receive personalized assistance with graduate school selection and application
• Benefit from application fee waivers available from many graduate schools across the country
• Learn about financial aid, fellowships, and grant opportunities

Long-term benefits: A McNair Scholar for life

The expected long-term benefits of the McNair Scholars Program are derived from the program purpose of providing select college students with effective preparation for doctoral study. Research provides irrefutable evidence that a doctoral degree bestows monetary and non-monetary benefits that last over a lifetime.